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The debate about whether John Tavares belongs in the Hart Trophy conversation will heat up now after the Islanders dumped the Leafs 5-3 Thursday night at the Air Canada Centre.

The Islander star put on another brilliant show — he usually does in Toronto — with a two-goal performance that was as impressive a display as has been seen in Toronto this season.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that the Mississauga native deserves to be included in any Hart discussions.

Essentially, that discussion has narrowed to the resurgent Alex Ovechkin, Chicago captain Jonathon Toews, and the undisputable best player in the game, Sidney Crosby. Ryan Getzlaf and Henrik Lundqvist have also been involved in the Hart talk.

“John is extremely valuable to our team; how he goes is how we go,” linemate Brad Boyes said following the win, the Isles’ 10th in their last 13 games, a run that has them on the verge of the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2007.

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“I see him every day and you see he wants it. It’s very impressive to see that out of a player at his age (22).”

In terms of the Hart criteria — the player “judged most valuable to his team” — Tavares certainly qualifies; he’s been the driving force behind the Islanders’ playoff push.

The Islanders now finish the season with five straight road games — a tough schedule — and if Tavares can keep his club in their current seventh slot, he should be one of three finalists for the Hart.

He’s had a sensational season, climbing to third overall in goals, and the rise from sensational rookie four years ago to elite level player is now complete after years of dedication to skating and strength training. Tavares Thursday night acknowledged skating coach Dawn Braid of Toronto, and local trainer Richard Clark of the Athlete Training Centre.

“They’ve made me a lot better athlete, and I’m trying to be more efficient as a player,” Tavares said.

“There are a lot of things I’ve worked on, but they’ve made my legs stronger. You try and do these things one at a time, and it takes time. Now it’s good to see it pay off in myself, and it makes you want to push yourself to another level.

“This summer I also worked on my shot more than normal,” Tavares said. “When I came into the league I was known as a goal scorer and I have all my life. But I worked at getting my shot off quickly, I’ve seen all the top goal scorers get the puck off quickly.”

Tavares was also showing pride in the Islanders franchise, a franchise he has stuck with since his rookie season. While the Islanders have struggled throughout his tenure there, Tavares has maintained loyalty to the franchise, and never once has he hinted at looking to play on a winner.

“I know what our goals are here and where we’re headed,” Tavares said of an Islanders team loaded with young talent.

“I see it every day and I believe in this team. It’s great for me to hopefully help bring the Islanders back to where they should be, that tradition that everyone knows and cares about.”

In addition to his tremendous performance, Tavares went up against Leafs star Nazem Kadri; the two were teammates several years ago as juniors with the London Knights, and Thursday marked their first meeting as NHLers in a game with playoff points in the balance.

While Tavares worked his magic, the Leafs continued a disturbing trend of getting outshot by a wide margin. They were bowled over 38-21 in shots Thursday night, marking the ninth straight game they’ve been outshot.

While Tavares worked his magic, the Leafs continued a disturbing trend of getting outshot by a wide margin. They were bowled over 38-21 in shots Thursday night, marking the ninth straight game they’ve been outshot.

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